Information Technology Certifications

Introduction to Information Technology
The field of Information Technology (also referred to as IT) is one of the fastest growing around the world. Over the past couple of decades, the role of information technology has become a vital part of our daily lives, playing important roles in everything from communication to banking to entertainment.

The rapid growth of IT results in thousands of new careers every year, and a certificate in Information Technology is a great way to take advantage of this phenomenal growth and join this fast growing field. Professionals with a certificate of Information Technology specialize in operating and repairing software and hardware, network and database management, information security and web development.

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More about Certificates of Information Technology
A number of colleges offer various certificates of Information Technology, which can be completed online or on-campus. These certificates can usually be completed in six months to one year and include a broad range of subjects in order to give students a strong foundation of IT. Admission requirements vary depending on the certificate, with some certificate in Information Technology programs requiring Bachelor's Degree in IT. However, certificate in IT programs do not require any formal education or degree in the field and are open to high school graduates or GED holders. The courses taught include Introduction to Information Systems, Microsoft Office, C and C++ Programming, Advanced Programming, Visual Basic and .NET, Database Development and Integration, Multimedia Technology, Web Design, Linux and UNIX operating system, Shell Scripting, LAN and WAN technology, and Network Security. Students can also choose additional courses in areas such as Programming, Information Security, and Wireless Technology.

Top Certifications

Q:What are the contents of the course on Introduction to Accounting in the Certificate in Information Technology?

A:The Certificate in Information Technology degree programs have dedicated course on Introduction to Accounting. This course is worth 2 credits in total and is designed to provide students with ample understanding of the concepts of double entry bookkeeping and other methods of financial transactions. Hands on experience is also provided.

Q:While looking for best IT certification I noticed aviation certifications, could you tell me about this?

A:Professionals in the aviation field need to stay up to date with the latest technologies making headway into their line of work, which is why most aviation certificate programs offer cutting edge based knowledge of aviation and are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Even fro fresh students interested in this field there are many options, such as the sub-field of aviation, air traffic control. Along with that students can also chose to take courses in flight training which prepares them for the FAA's commercial pilot licensing exam. Flight attendant certificate is a popular option.

Q:While looking for the best IT certifications I came across Bachelors in Informatics, could you tell me about this?

A:This degree will put you on the road to becoming an expert in Informatics. It takes about four years to get a bachelors in informatics degree. Almost every IT institute across the country offers this degree program in state of the art facilities. During the eight semesters' of this program students get to study subjects like Introduction to Informatics, Structured Programming, Information Systems Analysis & Design and Computer Architecture.

Q:Should I go for information technology certificate online?

A:An information technology certificate is a very good option for individuals who want to work in this sector. The advantage of a certificate over a traditional degree program is that it can be completed in a much shorter time period than a degree program. In addition to this certifications are also more economical.

A:Yes there are several advantages to enrolling in a degree program that is accredited by a credible body. Accredited institutions have better teaching and research facilities and offer students a well rounded education. Moreover there are many employers who prefer to only hire individuals who have graduated from accredited institutions.

Q:What are the pros of information technology certificate programs online?

A:Students who enroll in an online program have many advantages over regular students. Online instruction allows students to study when they want without worrying about class timings and going to campus. So this is a very good option for students who have jobs or some other commitments and cant enroll as full time students.

Q:Are there any drawbacks to information technology certifications online as compared to regular ones?

A:There are some students who have a perception that online educations programs have less worth as compared to the traditional ones. However this is simply untrue. Educational institutes do not differentiate between their online programs and traditional programs in terms of curriculum and entry requirements. Employers are also hiring more and more online students every day.

Q:Would an employer look upon a prospective employee with an IT certificate less favorably than an employee with a degree?

A:Certificate programs are centered around a specific, specialized topic area. They serve as a foundation for students who wish to go on to a higher level of education later on. They also prepare students for a specific profession. It is not possible to know how a specific employer would regard a certificate but for some professions an employer may possible prefer a prospective employee with a certificate and not a degree.

Q:Are programs offering an IT certificate online the same as classroom taught programs?

A:IT certificate programs offered online are similar to other programs offered online; in that, they are designed to give the student the same standard of education as those taught in a traditional classroom. Programs are slightly modified to allow them to be taught online as opposed to in person. Most students would not be able to tell the difference.

Q:How do I decide to choose from the IT certificate programs?

A:Different students have different academic needs. For some, the most important factor is the content of the course- does it include the subject of interest to you. Next, there is the financial side- is your preferred program within your budget? Will you be able to receive financial aid/ grants etc? Another factor, is whether or not the program is accredited. Accredited program will allow you to proceed to obtaining a formal qualification later on if you wish to.

Q:Can I pursue IT certificate programs online from anywhere in the world?

A:Yes you can enroll in an information technology certification program from anywhere in the world. In fact the whole point of an online education is to remove geographical barriers to education. All you need is a high speed internet and a computer to get started for your online information technology certification.

Q:What do I need for an IT certification online?

A:If you want to acquire information technology certification all you need is high speed internet and a computer or laptop which fulfills the basic system requirements of your certification program. So simply enroll in an information technology program of your choice and one that is economical for you and start learning.

Q:Is there financial aid for IT certification programs?

A:If you want to apply for financial aid you will have to check with your institution that whether they offer assistance for certification programs or not. A majority of schools do offer some form of assistance to students but usually the resources are limited so only a small proportion of students end up getting assistance.

Q:Do companies prefer to hire individuals who have IT certifications from accredited schools?

A:Most companies would not have a declared policy of hiring employees only from accredited institutions. However that being said, individuals who have certifications from accredited schools are usually preferred over other candidates. This may be because accredited schools have a better teaching facility which in turn produces more competent employees.

Q:Are IT certifications online a better option than a degree program?

A:The answer to this question is dependent on the preferences of a certain individual. The advantage of a certification is that it can be completed in a shorter period of time and it is more economical as compared to a degree program. However, individuals aiming for senior management positions should look for a degree program.

Q:Can you name a few important courses that are included in the curriculum of an online IT certificate program?

A:An IT certificate program is designed to provide students with career oriented knowledge in this field. The certificate is like an extra credential and demonstrates expertise of the individual. The duration of certificate programs is less as compared to regular degree programs. Important courses included in an IT certificate program include C++ programming visual basic, applications software, database development, Linux, shell scripting, LAW/WAN technologies.

Q:As I was going through the curriculum of Online IT Certificate Programs, I came across a visual basic course. What is this all about?

A:A visual Basic course is one of the major topics students must study in an IT certificate program. This area focuses on developing programs for windows using the visual basic programming languages. Some areas of study included in this course include text box formation, labels, menus and buttons, bars, and windows application. It is important that you understand the concept of computer programming languages before studying visual basic.

Q:Can you name any accrediting agency for online IT certifications and programs?

A:Accreditation is an important to consider before applying for any degree program. A program must be accredited by a relevant authorized accrediting board and the higher education commission. When it comes to information technology courses, the most recommended and recognized accrediting agency is the ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).

Q:If I opt for one of the top IT certification programs, what accreditation should I look for?

A:If you wish to enroll in any top IT certification program, it is important to check the accreditation status of the program. For most information technology programs, ABET is the accreditation board that approves all programs in this field. ABET accredits all post-secondary programs in computing and technology. Accreditation signifies the program has met all education standards.

Q:Are top IT certifications available online?

A:Yes, some of the best IT certification programs are available online. You can enroll in online Information technology programs offered by a number of prestigious online schools. Online education has attained popularity over the recent years due to increased technology and need for higher qualifications. There are numerous benefits of online education such as no traveling and low costs.

Q:Can you tell me about a few of the specialization areas offered in the best information technology certifications?

A:Information technology certifications are short courses that certify an individual in this area. A certificate can help boost ones career and also increases ones knowledge base. Students can opt for certain specialization areas in this field. Most common specialization areas include e-commerce, business information technology, systems and networking, systems administration, and telecommunications.

Q:What kind of careers can I have with an online information technology certificate?

A:A certification in online technology can open up plenty of lucrative career opportunities for you. Some of the job titles you can have with certification are: computer support consultant, media technician, technical support specialist, data center operations support, help desk analyst and web developer. There are other job options available as well.

Q:Some online information technology certificate programs mention the term vendor neutral certifications, can you explain what it is?

A:Information technology is a vast field and there are many online information technology certificate programs in the market. There are vendor neutral and vendor specific certifications available. Vendor neutral certifications are one that focuses more on the concept and processes as opposed to vendor specific certifications that cover particular technologies and products.

Q:For online IT certificates, is it better to have instructor led courses?

A:The mode of learning that you feel comfortable with will work for you. Online IT certificates can be attained by instructor led courses if you are more at ease with the classroom environment it provides. Following an instructor led course means fixed time table and meeting the deadlines. If you have the temperament for that then it will work for you. For those who want to work at their own pace it might not be such a good idea.

Q:What kind of salaries can I earn with top information technology certifications?

A:There is no exact answer to your question as there is a significant fluctuation in the salary figures for information technology certifications. There are some individuals who earn a six figure salary while others can earn significantly less. Salary figures depend on a host of factors like numbers of year of experience and place of employment.

Q:What can you tell me about Information Technology Certifications?

A:Almost every school that offers degree programs in information technology also offer certificate and diploma courses in this field as well. There are various certificate courses to pursue in information technology and can normally be completed within a short span of six months to one year. Some of the core subjects taught in these courses are: Introduction to Information Systems, Microsoft Office, C and C++ Programming, Advanced Programming, Visual Basic and .NET, Database Development and Integration, Multimedia Technology, Web Design, Linux and UNIX operating system, Shell Scripting, LAN and WAN technology, and Network Security. Students can also choose additional courses in areas such as Programming, Information Security, and Wireless Technology.